Charged liquid dispensing device



March 27, 1945. H. PLETMAN 2,372,392

CHARGED LIQUID DISPENSING BEY/ICE Filed May 28, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTOR HARRY PL ETMAN March 27, 1945. H PLETMN 2,372,392

CHARGED LIQUID DISPENSING DEVICE Filed May 28, 1940 3 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR HAQQY DLETMAN BY SMMM ATTORN EY Mmh 27,` 1945. H, PLETMAN Y 2,372,392

CHARGED LIQUID DISPENSING DEVICE- Filed May 2a, 1940 s sheets-sheet s INVENTOR l HARRY PL'ETMAN i ayhzimpmn ATToRNEY ganarse Mar. 27,1945

UNT-TED STATES"l PATENT oFFlcl-z CHARGED uoufsslausmd DEVICE Harry Pletman, Brooklyn, N." Y., asslgnor, by direct and mesme-assignments, oi' seventy per cent to Harry Kornreich, Brooklyn, and thirty per cent to S. Michael Pineles, New York, N. Y.

Application May 2s, "1940, serial No. 337,683

(c1. eis-264) 16 Claims.

This application is a continuation-impart of). my application Serial No. 169,478, filed October 16, 1937. This invention relates to charged liquid dispensing devices,v and it is particularly contrl verting in an effective manner the liquid charged with a compressed gas into a iluffy substance in the course of the dispensing process, while maintaining the charged liquid in a highly sanitary condition.

The foregoing and other objectsv of the invention will be best understood from the following description of exemplications thereof, -reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a complete whipped cream dispensing device exemplifying one form of the' invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a detailed sectional view of the' valve closure elements of the device;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the dispensing nozzle of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4A is a sectional view illustrating the coupling connection of the outlet duct of the device to a hose leading from a compressed gas source;

Fig. 5 is aview similar to Fis. l illustrating another valve arrangement exemplifying the invention; l

Figs. 6, 'i and 8 illustrate different forms of a modiiied arrangement for coupling the discharge duct to the valve housing of the device shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating another i'orm of device exemplifying the invention;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line lll-I0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. l1 is a cross-sectional view along line II-Il ofFig.9;'

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 9 illustrating another exempliilcation of a valve unit of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a further form of a dispensing device exemplifying the invention;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of' the valve` unitoi Fig. 13a1ong line |4-i4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is across-sectional view-ofthe form of There are many'objections against such practice. `\\In order to produce whipped cream of the required consistency by the common agitatingI process, the cream must be of a suitable low temperature and it has to have a relatively high per- 1' centage of butter fat. In addition, it must not he too old nor too fresh as otherwise it will not whip satisfactorily or the agitation will produce butter instead of whipped cream.

This practice is also objectionable because whipped cream once produced collapses after a certain period of time and it is very dilcult to whip it again.

Since cream for making whipped cream is, like milk, a good breeding substance for bacteria, a satisfactory dispensing device for converting the cream into whipped cream must not only be able to convert the creamy liquid into a frothy mass of the required consistency, but it must also protect the dispensed cream against contamination and deterioration. a

Furthermore, all parts kof such dispensing device Which come in contact with the cream must lend themselves for ready cleaning and must be so arranged as to prevent incrustation of layers of cream and the clogging up of the passages or cavities of the dispensing device, particularly since the compressed gas tends to force small quantities of cream into crevices into which it would otherwise not enter.

The dispensing device of the invention overcomes these diiilculties and permits the conversion of cream or cream-like liquids into a stable, iiuiy froth by an easily controlled simple operation. In addition, all the parts of the dispensing device are simple, readilyaccessible and are so arranged and shaped as to permit easy, thorough cleaning of all the parts. Y

Although the device of the invention was developed primarily in order to provide a. satisfactory whipped cream dispensing appliance for socia fountains and similar service, it also lends itself for many other applications, such as the con version of a liquid ice cream preparation into a semi-solid ice cream.

By the device of the invention, ordinary milk cream, even ii' stored for a prolonged period, and though poor in butter fat, is converted into about 3V: or more times its original volume, without loss of its sweetness and tastiness, by charging with a neutral compressed gas and converting the charged liquid into a frothymass during the dispensing operation.

Dispensing devices designed in accordance with the principles of the invention described hereinafter are ideally suited for converting, in the course of the dispensing operation, various liquids and semi-liquid fluids, such as liquid cream, whether poor or rich in butter i'at, liquid ice cream or custard mixtures or the like, requiring sanitary handling, into a gas-expanded highly palatable product of greatly increased volume.

An exempliflcation of the invention suitable for mounting on the rack of a soda fountain, or the like, lis shown in Figs. 1 to 5. A creamy liquid, such as cream, is stored in a pressure resistant cylindrical container I which is open at itsupper end and is enclosed by a cover plate I2 clamped over a packing ring I3 of suitable packing material, such as rubber, by a clamping collar I4 h aving a threaded flange I5 engaging the threaded outer edge portion of the container I0 so as to provide a pressure-tight Joint between the cover plate I2 and the container II). The threads on the engaging portions of the container IU and the cover I2 are of the type known in the trade as milk threads, being rounded and of relatively large pitch, so as to enable thorough and easy cleaning of all thread surfaces and prevent formation of cream encrustations thereon. By unscrewing the clamping collar, the packing washer I3 -may be readily removed and all the surfaces of the container I0, the cover i2, the clamping collar I4 and the Washer I3 mayfbe easily scrubbed and cleaned. All other threaded joints of the device hereinafter described are as far as feasible, likewise provided with milk threads.

For ease of handling, the rounded bottom of the container is provided with a base I8 having an inner portion l1 secured as by spot welding, to the container bottom and cylindrical ring portion IB of the container. The outer surfaces of the clamping collar I4 and the bottom ring I8 are knurled to facilitate tight clamping and taking apart of the container, the knurled portion of the clamping collar 4I4 serving also to hold the container In in position on the wall 20, of a soda fountain, for instance.

The cover plate I2 has an upwardly projecting hollow neck portion 2| having a threaded junction portion 22 in which is mounted the wider upper end portion 23 of a tubular supply duct 24 constituting a supply passage portion extending to near the bottom of the container I0. The upper portion 23 of the supply duct 24 forms an inlet passage to a valvek casing member 28 having a valve seat member 21 and an internally threaded junction portion which is tightly coupled to the threaded neck junction 22 and the valve inlet passage 23 of the supply duct 24, a packing washer 28, of suitable packing material, such as rubber, being interposed between the facing jung.. tion surfaces.

The valve casing 26 has a valve opening 3| which opens into a discharge chamber 32. In accordance with the invention, the wall portion of the valve casing 28 which borders the inlet side of the valve opening and serves as the valve seat is made in the form of a detachable valve seat member'21, shown in detail in Fig. 3. The valve seat member 21 has a downwardly projecting neck portion 33 havingan outwardly tapering outer surface forming a recess in which the packing washer 28 is retained, so that when the portion of the packing ring 28 overlying the valve seat is compressed, its yielding material will not be pushed inwardly into the valve opening 3| and thus prevent its deformation.

As shown in Fig. 3, the valve seat member 21 has an outer surface detachably fitting a correspondingly shaped opening surface ol' the valve casing. the intertting surfaces being shaped so that in dis-assembling the valve casing, the valve seat member 21 together with the packing washer 28 retained thereon will be quickly removed for cleaning and scrubbing while assuring that when the valve casing is assembled, the valve seat member 21 with its packing ring 28 will be held tightly clamped in their position within the valve casing by the threaded junction portion 22 of the container neck 2i. The packing washer 28 serves thus not only to provide a tight valve seat, but also to provide a tight junction between the valve seat member 21 and the valve casing 26 as well as between the valve casinar 26 and the container I0 with its supply duct 24.

The valve opening is arranged to be closed by a valve member 34 and a stem 35 extending into a valve chamber 32. The valve member 34 is suitably biased to its closed position, shown in Fig. 1 as by a helical spring 36 which presses the valve member 34 against the portion of the packing ring 28 which borders the collar 33 of the valve seat member 21. A valve closure member 40 is held clamped to the upper open end of the valve chamber 32 over a packing ring 4I, by means of a clamping collar 42 having an inner threaded surface 43 engaging the threaded upper end portion 44 of the valve casing 26 so as to provide a tight joint between the closure member 40 and the valve casing 26. A valve operating rod 45 is slidably mounted within a cylindrical open= ing oi the valve closure member 40 and has' a downwardly projecting portion 46 extending through a tight hole in the packing ring 4i into engagement with the upper end of the valve stem 35 so that by pushing down the operating rod 45, the valve closure member 34 gradually opens the valve opening in a way more fully described hereinafter.

In accordance with the invention, penetration of liquid into the space within the valve closure member 40 is made impossible by providing the valve operating rod 45 with a tapered outer surface which is so shaped that as it moves inwardly to open the valve member 34, it automatically increases the pressure between its surface and the surrounding surface of the packing ring 4I and thereby increases the tightness of its fit to positively prevent entrance of liquid between the interfitting surfaces of the valve rod and the packing ring.

Easy and controllable manipulation o f the op erating rod is secured by mounting on the slotted upper cylindrical portion 41 of the valve closure member 40 a slotted handle support 48 in which is plvotally mounted a handle 49, for movement in the slots 50 of the handle support, 48 and the closure portion 41 so as to push the valve operating rod 45 in downward direction as the handle 48 is tiltedl downwardly. The pivotal support of the handle is formed by a stud 52 which, as shown asvasae in Fig. 2, extends through one side wall of the handle support 43 and the side walls of the slotted valve closure portion 4l, and holds all elements in their operating position by the threaded engagement of its threaded end with a side-wall -oi the slotted handle support 43.

The valve casing 25 has also a valve outlet psssage 55 in which is mounted an outlet member 53 having an inward portion threadedly engaging the surface of the valve outlet e 55,V

a washer 51 of suitable packing material, such as rubber, being retained in a grooved end portion 53 of the valve outlet member to provide a tight coupling junction when mounted in its position shown in Fig. 1, while assuring that the packing washer 51 is removed when the outlet member 55 is uncoupled from the valve casing 25.

The valve outlet member 55 has a tapered outi er end portion 50 for seating'a correspondingly shaped surface of a discharge nomic 5I,'the tapered junction surfaces having an angle which assures a tight seat of the nozzle member 5| on the tapered end of the outlet member 56. It desired, an additional clamping collar 52 having a threaded engagement with the threaded portion 53 of the outlet member 55 may be utilized ing a'free space above the level of the liquid. The container is charged with gas of the required pressure from a gas bottle, and the gas is distributed throughout-the liquid, filling also the space above the level of the liquid. To dispense cream, the v alve actuating rod 45 is pressed lnwardly to actuate the valve member 34 from its closed position to open positions against the pressure of the gas and the-spring 36. The inward movement of the valve closure-member 34 brings the tapered portion 35 ofthe valve stem gradually into the valve opening 3l and forms with the adjacent walls of the opening an annular expansion `nozzle which is gradually enlarged as the valve stem moves inwardly.

As explained above, the portion of the valve l stem which in the closed position faces the vadjacent walls of the valve opening 3| is substantially parallel to the walls and only the portions of the stem which enter into the -wall openings 3l in the course of its downward motion arctapered so that in the initial part of the downior firmly clamping the nozzle 5i to the outlet member.

The outlet member 56 of the valve casing 25 .is also provided with an intermediate threaded coupling collar 66 provided at the end oi a liose 61 leading from a source of compressed gas, such as a compressed gas bottle, not-shown, to permit easy charging of the container with gas upto the desired pressure, asindicated on a manometermounted on the gas bottle. 'I'he outlet nozzle 6l may also be provided with a decorator nipple 68 having a slotted discharge outlet 59 for discharging the whipped cream in a suitable decorative form.

In using a dispensing device of the type shown in Figs. l to 4 for dispensing whipped cream, the container is illled with a quantity of cream and charged with a compressed gas of a pressure of the'order of about 75 pounds per square inch. As a result, serious troubles vare encountered when operating the valve to release cream charged with the gas, because under the relatively high gas pressure the discharge is diilcult to control, and it often assumes an explosive character'.r explosive discharges are troublesome, not only because they waste the relatively expensive lngredient, such as cream, but also because the additional care and labor required in attending to the dispensing operations makes it very objectionable. l

In accordance with the invention, the valve stem 35 and the facing portion of the valve opening 3| are so shaped and proportioned that in lthe closed position of the valve, the valve opening 3i forms a narrow substantially parallel passage which is gradually reduced in length and converted into a gradually widening expansion nozzle as the valve stem 35 is moved from the closed position to open position so as to gradually increase the rate atV which charged liquid enters the valve opening passage and is expanded into a frothy mass discharged into the valve outlet passage. The ease of operation permits controlled discharge and distribution of whipped cream and makes possible fine decorative effects.

In normal operation, when used, for instance, on a fountain, the container l0 is Illled with a quantity of whipped cream or another. liquid leav- Such ward motion of the valve stem v35 substantially` no cream can be discharged into the valve chamber 32. Only in the further course of the inward motion of the valve stem 35 does the tapered nozzle sumciently widen the discharge space between its outer surfaceand the bordering discharge opening 39 as to form therewith an expansion nozzle for releasing the cream which is ycharged with compressed gas and converting it by expansion into the valve chamber 32 into a frothy mass of whipped cream. As a result, the rate at which the frothy conversion product is discharged from the discharge nozzle may be easily regulated and the discharge of the whipped froth formed by the liquid is only gradually started. Explosion-like discharges of large masses of whipped cream, that might be caused by an abrupt dispensing operation, is thus prevented `by the provision of a narrow valve passage between the side Walls of the valve inlet opening 3l and the facing walls of the valve stem 35 so that only when the valve stem is pressed suiiiciently far down it reduces the length of the narrow valve passage and gradually changes it into a gradually widening expansion nozzle which brings about the expansion of the charged liquid and the formation of the creamy froth in the valve chamber 32. By suitably adjusting the size and configuration of the supply passage 3l, the chamber opening 32 and the valve closure member 3B with its stem 35, the downward movement of the actuating rod may be correlated with the This arrangement secures a controllable ilow ofl whipped cream as itis being dispensed and makes it easy for the operator lto dispense the exact amount of cream desired. It also prevents sudden explosive discharges and waste of cream. In

actual operation experience with the valve arrangement of the type described above, it is found that the use of such improved valve arrangement of the invention enables the reduction or the cream consumption in the average store counter by about half.

In addition, the special valve seal collar 33 between the iiexible valve seat packing ring 2B and the valve opening 3l makes it impossible to force yieldable packingvmaterial of the packing ring 2d into the space of the valve opening. As a result, the valve opening may be designed to permit controllable discharge of the compressed liquid while assuring at all times perfect and satisfactory operation ot the dispensing device and eliminating troubles due to obstructions of the valve opening or swelling of the packing ring.

All the elements ofthe valve assembly may be readily taken apart and washed with boiling water at the end oi.' the day and cleaned from any remnants oi' cream or other creamy liquids requiring sanitary handling. All passages in the valve are simple and straight, and may be readily scrubbed with a brush. All elements of Athe device are free from crevices on which encrusted particles of cream might form and any encrustations formed on any surface of the device are visible to the naked eye and maybe easily .removed. Danger oi' contamination oi' thecream or milk is thus eliminated.

In taking apart the valve structure, the clamping collar il is unscrewed from the container il,

the valve casing 26 is unscrewed fromthe neck Il of the cover plate, the outlet member l0 is unscrewed from the valve casing and the outlet nozzle and the valve closure member 42 are similarly taken apart exposing the interior of each of the elements and permitting easy removal of all packing washers and rings and the scrubbing of all parts. All threaded portions which come into contact with the cream or milk have large milk threads which are easy to keep clean and formation of hidden encrustations is thus made impossible. In normal use, each time the container I0 is to be refilled, the cover i2 is removed and the several parts are cleaned and washed with boiling water. Thereupon, the valve elements are assembled, and after the can is filled with the suitable quantity of cream, the cover is assembled in its position on the container in the way shown in Fig. 1. Thereupon, a tank holding compressed gas is coupled by means of a hose 61 to the outlet member 58 in the way shown in Fig. 4, and gas is admitted into the container, the maximum pressure being checked by a manometer provided on the gas bottle from which the container is charged. As the gas enters into the can through the supply duct 24, it distributes uniformly throughout the whole body oi' cream and leaves it in a. uniformly charged condition. charging hose is removed from the outlet member and the dispensing nipple is seated on the conical end `portion 80 of the outlet member and the device is ready to dispense cream.

Dispensing devices of the invention described above are ideally suited not only for converting cream into whippedcream incident to the dispensing operation, but also for converting liquid ice cream mixtures into dispensed semi-solid ice cream, and other similar uses.

Depending on the pressure required in any parare likewise made of strong corrosion-resisting material, for instance, aluminum. In addition. all the principal elements of the device which come into contact with cream are of simple cylindrical form and readily accessible for cleaning.

In Fig. 5 is shown another form of valve arrangement of the invention. A valve casing l-A having a valve opening 3i which is closed by thevalve member 34, is held in the closed position by a biasing spring 38, and has a stem JI--A extending through the valve opening Il into the valve chamber so as to open the valve when the stem lli-A is moved inwardly against the action of its biasing spring 38. The valve stem ll-A is arranged to be actuated by an operating rod A, which is slidably mounted within the opening oi' a valve closure member 4l-A which is held clamped against the opening of the upper neck portion A of the valve chamber casing lI-'A by a clamping collar 42-A, in a way similar to the arrangement of Fig. 1.

In accordance with the invention, penetration of liquid from the valve chamber 32-A into the space within the valve closure member 40-A is made impossible by a special sealing member 4l--A, the periphery of which is held clamped between facing clamping portions of the valve closure member Ill-A and the valve casing 2B-A. In the form of valve arrangement shown in Fig. 5, the clamped peripheral portion of the sealing member 4 l-A forms a relatively hard flange seated around the neck portion 44-A of the valve casing 2l-A extending from the flexible cupshaped diaphragm portion forming a gas and liquid tight barrier between the cooperating facing end surface portions oi the valve stem 35-A and its operating rod 45-A.

As shown in Fig. 5, the central element of the cup-shaped diaphragm of the sealing member 0 M--A is likewise thickened and made hard After the charge is completed, the

ticular application, dispensing devices may be constructed with diierent materials having the strength required to withstand the pressure of the compressed gas and the characteristics which faciiitateeasy and thorough cleaning of the device.

Aluminum and `stainless steel have been found to be suitable for the construction of such whipped cream dispensing devices. In the dispensing device shown in Figs. 1 to 5, which was designed for whipping cream, the pressure-proof container illis made of drawn aluminum, and all the elements which come into contact with the cream and are under pressure are likewise made of drawn material, such as aluminum. The elements of the valve unit itself, namely, the valve inlet. passage of the supply duct 24, the valve casing 28 and the valve outlet member 5I enough so that the downward pressure exerted by the operating rod 45-A when actuating the valve stem 35-A to its open position docs not substantially compress the interposed portion of the sealing member 4i-A separating them. The cup-shaped formation of the sealing member 4i-A provides thus a iiexible junction between its central and outer portions which are exposed to compression forces, and the exible intermediate portion of the sealing member does not impede the movement of the operating rod 45-A when it is actuated to open the valve or to release the valve stem to the closed position.

The sealing member 4i-A may be made of rubber and its thickened portions may be hardcned, for instance, by vulcanizing. Other flexible materials, such as Neoprene, or synthetic rubber materials may be used for such sealing member.

The neck portion k44--A of the valve casing is shaped so as to form a relatively elongated guide opening for guiding the upper portion ofthe valve stem 35-A which is actuated by the operating rod 45--A to open the valve. The valve structure ol Fig. 5 may be readily taken apart for cleaning and may be readily assembled with the same ease as the valve structure of Fig. l,

In Fig. 6 is shown a modiiled form of valve unit comprising a. valve casing 14 having an outlet passage portion l5 provided with an outwardly threaded surface to which the outlet member 18 may be coupled by means of a coupling collar "I9, the outlet member 18 having a conical junction coupling surface fitting a similar conical coupling surface of the casing outlet passage l5. This arrangement of the valve unit eliminaines` internally -threaded surfaces irom'l all v'small bore passages o! the valve casing. Forcleaning purposes, thevalve outlet member 18 may be readily uncoupled by unscrewing its coupling collar 19 andy removing it from the valve casing 14. 5v

The modiiied form ci discharge nozzle 82, shown in Fig. 6, has a longitudinal passage 88 communicating with the longitudinal passage of the outlet member 18 and a transverse bore 84 in which is tightly seated a decorator nipple 85., The decorai tor nipple 85 is provided with a longitudinal outlet bore 88 and a crossing transverse' bore 81 which is aligned withthe nozzle passage 88 for" discharging whlpped cream from the nozzle passage 88 into the decorator outlet 59 of the decorator l5 nipple 85. The interiitting surfaces of the decorator nipple 85 and the nozzle bore 84 are of conical shape so that when the outlet nipple 55 is mounted in its position and locked in place =by a cap nut 88 over an interposed packing washer 59, 2o

the bores 86, 81 are tightly sealed so as to force 4discharged matter into the outlet slits k58 of the decorator nipple 85.

This arrangement of the discharge nozzle 82 and the decorator nipple 85 enables easy dismantling 25 f extending above-the "valve seat H8, the interenof the complementary parts and all their passages which come .in contact with the discharged substance are fully exposed so as to enable their I easy and thorough cleaning.-

In Fig. 'I is shown another way for coupling 30 the outlet member 18 to the valve casing of such dispensing device. It comprises a valve casing 90 having a threaded upper end portion 9| and clamping collar 42 which clamps thereto the valve closure 40 as well as a mounting collar 92 over- 35 lapping the outlet passage 98 of the valve casing. The side of the mounting collar 92 facing the valve outlet passage 948 is provided with a threaded hole 94 in which is mounted the castellation's |08A and' |01A, respectively, -arranged so that the castellations on one flange ilt the gaps formed between the adjacent castellations on the other nange. The cover is mounted on the can by aligning the castellations oi.' its ilange |01 opposite the gaps ofthe castellations of the can flange .|01 and turning the cover rela-v. tively to the can to interlock the two sets o! castellation's. 'By giving the horizontally racing lnterengaging castellation surface portions a slight pitch. the turning motion of the cover relatively to the can body |00 will automatically tighten the cover in its position over the sealing ring |04l and secure a tight sealbetween the coverl |55 and the can |00.

The central portion of the cover |05 is'provided with a re-entrant cylindrical portion ||-0 having a flange in which is tightly seated a cylindrical neck lportion ||2 likewise of sheet metal having an inward flange H2. A valve seat member ||8 provided with a ilanged lvalve opening |71, and a packing ring I8 held on the underside of the valve seat H9., are clamped `against the flange ||8 of the neck portion I 2 by a coupling flange of a cylindrical valve casing |2| gagin'gsurfaces of the casing ilange |20v and the neck portion ||2 having suitable interlocking clamping projections, for instance. threaded'surfaces. The valve opening is shown closed by a valve member |24 having an upwardly projecting stem |24 and being biased against the valve seat I8 by a spring |28 which is mounted between the underside of the valve member |24 and the flange of the re-entrant cover portion H0.

The valve opening with the cooperating portions of the valveseat |24 and the valve stem |25 are shaped and designed in the same way as the corresponding parts of the device of Figs. 1

threaded outer surface. or an outlet member' 95 40 and 2. The valve stem |25 is shown actuated by which has a conical yseating surface 96 arranged similar to the conical seating surface of the valve member of Fig.'6, so that by screwing in the valve member 95 in the threaded hole 94 of the mounting collar 92, the valve outlet member 95 is 45 end of the closure member |30 has an inwardly tightly coupled to the outlet passage 93 of the valve casing.

The modiilcatlon of Fig.v 8 is similar to that of' Fig. '7,'except that instead of a mounting collar,

an L-shaped mounting lug 91, which is clamped so to the valve casing 90 by the clamping collar 42 of the closure member, it utilized as a mounting seat for the outlet member 95.

, In Figs. 9 to 1l is shown an exemplication of a dispensing device of the invention in which the ring |04 of suitable sealing material, such as 55 rubber. The rim ring |02 may be stamped as an integral part of the can |00 or joined thereto by crimping, 'fusing or welding.

The can is closed by a detachable cover |05V having a rim |06 provided with a flange |01 70 shaped for detachable clamping engagement with the ilange |03' of the can |00. As shown in Fig. l0, the detachable clamping engagement between the anges |03 and |04 is obtained by providing the interftting ilanges with interengaging sets of a hollow valve rod |29 which is longitudinally guided by a cylindrical closure member |80, having a Ilange |8| interlockingly engaging the valve ilanged portion |39 which serves as a guide and stop for the valve rod |29. The operating rod |29 has a longitudinal discharge `passage |40 and its lower end portion |28 forms a seating surface engaging the upper surface |4| of the valve stem |25 so that by pushing the operating rod in downward direction against the biasing action of the helical spring |28, the valve stem is actuated to open the valve opening and release charged liquid into the valve casing. A

In the forms shown in Figs. 9 and l0, the inter- ,engaging surface portions of the operating rod |29 and the valve stem 4| are shaped to form conical iunctionsurfaces providing radial passages |44 through which an expanded frothy mass discharged into the valve casing |2| is expelled into the discharge passage |40 of the valve rod |29 and therethrough to the exterior. With this arrangement, a liquid, such ascream, charged with gas, and stored in the can |00, may be discharged aswhipped cream through the passage |40 or the valve rod |29 by merely pressing downis provided with a cylindrical neck portion having an inwardly bent flange |52. A valve casing'l55 clamps valve seat member |15 with' its packing ring H5 against the neck flange |52 by a flange |54 which is clampingly interlocked with the outer 4surface of the cover neck |5|, as by threads. The upper portion ofthe valve casing |55 forms a cylindrical closure portion |55 serving as a guide and stop for the hollow dischargepassage operating rod |25. The helical valve biasing spring is held in its position by having inwardly projecting arms |55 of a collar mem ber |53 secured, as by welding. to the cover |05A.

The packing ring |32 for the valve rod. is held in place by a cylindrical spacing member which fits into the interior of the ,valve casing so that when the valve casing |55 is mounted on the neck |5| of the cover, the packing washer |32 of the valve seat member and the packing washer |32 of the actuating rod are tightly clamped in place. Detachable clamping engagement between the cooperating surface of the cover neck i5| and the casing flange |54, as well as between the other clampingly engaged portions, may be secured either by providing suitable interengaging castellations or by providing suitably threaded surfaces. The outersurfaces of the casing interengaging elements may be knurled'or provided with other suitable grip projections so as to facilitate untightening and tightening the elements in their operating positions.

In Figs. 13 and 14 is shown another dispensing device exemplifying the invention. It comprises a container 2|5 having a threaded neck portion which is tightly closed by a suitable cover 2 I2 and a packing ring 2 I3 so as to withstand the pressure of a compressed gas with which the liquid is charged. The cover may be provided with a supporting flange 2|4 for mounting the vessel on the slanted wall 2|'5 of a refrigerated compartment which maintains the contents of the vessel at the required temperature.

'I'he cover 2|2 is ,provided with an upwardly projecting tubularoutlet 2|5 having a downward extension 2|1 of reduced diameter in which is seated the flanged upper end 2 l5 of-a downwardly protruding draw tube 2|9 having a telescopically mounted extension 220 which may be shaped to reach the lowest level at the bottom of vessel 2|0.

A valve inlet casing 225 is tightly coupled to the discharge outlet 2|5, through the threadedY engagement of the downward casing'extension with inner walls of the outlet 2|5, packing washers 221, 225 securing tight seals at the junctions of the passage extending from the draw tube 2|9 to the valve inlet compartment 229.

A valve casing 230 provided with a discharge 4 opening 23| and a valve inlet `opening 232 having a valve seat-233 facingthe inlet compartment 223 is tightly coupled to the inlet casing 225 through the threaded engagement of the intertting wall portions and a packing washer. A valve member 234 mounted to face the valve seat 233 has a stem 235 extending through the valve opening 232 into the chamber 235 of the valve casing 235. I'he valvis shown suitably biased to its closed position), as by a, spring 239, and a seating ring 235 oi' tight compressible material clamped over the valve seat 233 of the valve casing 235 secures a tight closure of the valve opening 232 when the valve 234 is held pressed against the valve seat 233.

A valve closure member 242 having a threaded engagement with an interiitting portion of the valve casing 230 serves as a guide for a valve operating rod 243 having an inwardly projecting tapered member 244 which engages the projecting end of thevalv stem, so that downward pressure on the actuating 243 opens the valve 234. A knob 249, or any other conventional grip means, may be used for actuating the valve operating rod 243.

A suitably shaped discharge spout or nozzle 255 is provided with a flanged inlet end 25| which is mounted over the valve discharge opening 23| by means of a coupling ring y 252 rotatably mounted on the cylindrical surface of the valve Vcasing 230. A clamping collar 253 with a grip ange 254 ,seated over the flanged inlet end 25| of the nozzle 250 is threadedly mounted in an opening of the coupling 252 so as to permit tight coupling of the nozzle 250 tothe discharge opening 23| of the valve by turning the clamping collar 253 until the nozzle flange 25| has a tight connection with the valve opening. 'f

The coupling collar is also provided with another tapped hole for receiving a threaded nipple 26| of a twin member housing an inwardly opening check valve 252 and an outwardly opening check valve 253. The inner conical end of the twin nipple 26| engages a cavity 254 in the outer wall of the valve casing so that by turning the check valve twin 25|, the coupling ring may be clamped either in the position shown in Figs. 13 and 14 in which the discharge nozzle is tightly sealed over the discharge opening 23| of the valve, or in the position in which the inner end of the twin nipple 25| engages the countersunk outer end of the valve opening 23| and establishes a tight coupling conection between the two check valves 252, 253 and the valve chamber 235. With such arrangement, the coupling ring may be readily loosened by unscrewing the twin member 25|, whereupon the coupling ring may be rotated along the guideway 255 of the valve casing 230 against which it is held by the packing washer 261 overlying the coupling ring so as to couple either the discharge nozzle 250 or the check valves 252, 253 to the valve chamber 235.

A sealing ring 245 of tight packing material,

such as rubber, seated on the tapered valve actuating member 244 and clamped between the interfitting surfaces of the valve casing 230 and the valve closure 242 provides 'a tightly sealed closure between the valve chamber 235 and the rod guide passage 245 of the valve closure member 242.

Although various materials may be used for makingvthe various elements of the device shown in Figs. 13 and 14, a typical whipped cream dispcnsinfg device exempiifying the invention, of the type shown in Figs. 13 and 14. comprises a pressure-proof container 2li! of drawn aluminum, a cover 2|2 of cast aluminum, and the draw tubes 2|9 and 220 as wcll as the dispensing nozzle 250 also of drawn aluminum. The elements of the valve unit. itself, namely, the valve inlet casing 225, the valve casing 230 and the valve member 234 as well as the actuating rod 244 are made of a strong, corrosion-resisting material, such as stainless steel, all these parts being readily maerases chined to accurate dimenions by' simple lathe operations.

In normal operation, as a part of a fountain. the container may be tllled with a quantity of the liquid, such as cream, leaving above the level of the liquid a space for the compressed gas. To

dispensecream, the valve actuating rod 243 is pressed downwardly so as to move the valve 234 in downward direction against the internal pressure of the gas which, even without the assistance of the spring 233, is sumcient to keep the valve 234 tightly sealed against its seatingsurface when in normal closed position. The downward movement of the valve 234 brings the tapered portion of the valve stem into the opening 222 and forms with the adjacent walls of the opening an annular expansion nozzle opening which is gradually enlarged as the valve stem moves inwardly. As the valve opens, the cream whichiis charged with the compressed gas discharges through the gradually enlarging expansion nozzle opening and expands in the valve chamber 236, breaking down the cream particles in the course. of the expansion into a fluffy, stable frothy foam which is expelled through the discharge opening 23| and the passage through the discharge nozzle 230. A. suitable decorator nozzle may be attached to the end of the discharge nozzle 23| forgiving the discharge froth a desired decorative shape. A

By making the upwardly projecting portion of the valve stem 235 with a suitably tapered-surface, the width of the opening through which the compressed body of cream charged with the gas is discharged is only gradually increased. As a readily scrubbed with a brush. All the elements are rree from crevices from which an incrusted particle of cream cannot be removed, and thus danger of contamination of the cream or milk is eliminated.'

In taking apart the valve structure, .the valve assembly may bereadily removed from the cover result, the rate at which the frothy conversion product is discharged from the discharge nozzle may be easily regulated, and the discharge of the whipped froth formed by the liquid is only gradually started. An explosion-like discharge of a large mass of whipped cream in the course of an abrupt dispensing operation is prevented by nar.

rowing the gap formed between the side walls of the valve inlet passage 229 of the inlet casing 226 and the facing walls of the valve member 236, so that when the valve stem is pressed sumciently far down, it reduces the gap through which the body of charged cream may reach the expansion chamber 236 of the valve casing 236. By suitably proportioning the size and the configuration of the inlet passage 229, the outlet passage 23| and the valve 234 with its valve stem 236,' the downward movement of the actuating rod may be correlated with the rate at which the cream is converted into froth discharged from the valve.

Entrance of charged cream into the upper guide rod channel 246 of the valve closure 242 and contamination of the valve structure is prevented by the tapered shape of the actuating member 244 which, as it moves downwardly to open the valve, automatically presses outwardly the surrounding body of the packing member 246, thus automatically tightening the seal between the packing member and the plunger as well as between the walls of the valve casing between which it is clamped. Entry of whipped cream into the space above the washer 246 and into crevices surrounding the washer notwithstanding' the large pressure in the expansion chamber 236 is thus positively prevented. Y

All the elements of the valve assembly may be readily taken apart and washed with boiling water at the end of the day and cleaned from g any remnants of whipped cream. All passages `in the valve are simple and straight and may be by turning it, for instance, by using the check valve unitV 264 and the coupling collar as a grip.

vTo take apart the several elements, the valve closure 242 and the valve inlet casing 226 are re- Vmoved from the valve casing 230, whereupon the packing members 234. 246 as well as the other washers may be removed from their seats. Since packing members are very simple and all joints have simple threads, the packing members may be discarded and replaced by new packing members after each use. 262 with its spout 250 and the check valves may be readily taken apart for cleaning.

A'In normal use, each time the container has to be refilled, the cover 2|2 is removed and the several parts are cleaned and washed with boiling water. Thereupon, the valve elements andthe cover are assembled in the way shown in Fig. 13. except that the check valve twin is placed opposite the opening 23| leading from the valve chainber 236 of the valve casing 230. The can is then nlled with a suitable quantity of cream and the cover ,is tightly sealed on the can 2|0. Thereupon, a tank holding compressed gas is coupled by means of a hose to the charging nozzle equipped with the inlet valve 262. The can 2li is then charged with gas by merelyipressing down the grip to open the valve until the outlet check valve 263, which is adjusted to open at a predetermined maximum pressure, opens and indicates that the can 2||l has been charged to the required pressure. Alternatively, the check valve 263 of the valve twin may be replaced with a gauge for indicating the pressure of the charged gas admitted to the can during the charging process, or af triplet coupling may be used to provide the permanent mounting for the gauge. As the gas enters into the can through the draw tube 226 Figs. 13 and 14 in which it is then locked by tightening the valve twin unit 264 to establish a tight connection between the ange-25| of the discharge nozzle 250 with the opening 23| of the Ivalve casing.

Gas cannot escape from the assembled oontainer notwithstanding the relatively high inner pressure even if the cover 2|2 is, for sake of cheapness, made of cast material, because the packing members 245, 261, 238, 234, 223 provide tight joints of the inherently tight. threaded elements of the valve structure itself, which completes its tight connection to the draw tube by the tight joint between the upper ange 221 of the draw tube 2|8 with the projecting end 226 of the valve casing 225.

In the modification shown in Fig. 15, the draw tube is made an integral part oi the valve socket, for instance, by casting a cover 26|), similar to the cover 2|2 of Fig. 13, around a steel tube 26| having an upper portion 262 shaped to form the Similarly, the coupling ring- `charged compressed gas-holding liquid valve inlet chamber 283 on which the valve casing 286 is mounted in a way analogous to that shown in Fig. 13.

In Fig. 16 is shown another exempliflcation of the invention. It comprises a valve inlet casing 18, which supports a valve assembly similar in construction to the valve assembly of Fig. 13, and has its downward extension 21| made in the form of a cylindrical plug member 21.3 which fits into a hole 218 provided in a projecting coupling mem ber 218 which is coupled to the vessel outlet 218 so as to establish a tight connection between the passage 218 in the coupling member 212 and the adjoining draw tube 211. The plug member 218 is provided with a hole which communicates with the passage 218 leading from the draw tube 211 for supplying charged cream under pressure to the valve assembly and producing whipped cream by means of the valve unit in the way described in Fig. 13.- The valve assembly including the valve inlet casing 21| may be tightly locked in place by means of a cylindrical lock nut 218. The upper end of the passage 218 of the coupling member 216 is provided with a valve twin 282 similar to the valve twin 284'shown in Figs. 13 and 14 and serves as a charging valve connection as well as a safety valve connection to the vessel. Y

With the device of the invention, the can may at any time be opened for removing the cream, without the danger that the charged body of the cream will be abruptly discharged, by inverting the can, then letting out the compressed gas which collects in the top of the inverted can by simply opening the valve, whereupon the can may be opened in upright position.

In each of the exempliiications of the invention, the creamy charged liquid supplied under pressure to the valve opening is converted into a frothy, stable, foamy mass by expand g the hrough an expansion nozzle formed by the walls of the valve opening and a valve member extending through the valve opening. The surface of the valve opening and the cooperating surface of the valve member which successively faces the valve opening are shaped to gradually increase the valve opening which eil'ects the conversion of the charged liquid into a froth as the valve is moved away from the valve seat. The controlled shape of the effective expansion nozzle opening assures the required consistency of the frothy mass formed by the expansion process in all positions of the valve member.

By correlating they shape of the valve inlet passage with the shape of the valve member portion extending -into the inlet passage, the rate at which the compressed charged liquid is supplied to the expansion nozzle is correlated with the corresponding eil'ective expansion nozzle opening so as to secure the required consistency of the frothy expansion product.

Although the exempliflcations of the invention described above have been developed to provide a practical whipped cream dispensing device suitable for fountain use by converting a body of liquid cream charged with compressed gas into whipped cream as it is being dispensed, the features of the invention are not limited to whipped cream dispensing devices, but are applicable for many uses, such as dispensing liquid ice cream mixtures, malted liquids or the like. It is accordingly desired that the appended claims be given a broad construction commensurate with the scope of the invention.

I claim:

l. In a dispensing device for converting a fluid charged with a gas under pressure and requiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded product of increased volume, a valve housing structure having an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, a, discharge passage, and an open valve passage connecting said inlet passage to said discharge passage, a valve closure member extending through said valve passage into said discharge passage movable from-a valve closing position to open positions, a yieldable sealing member constituting a wall portion of said discharge passage and having a sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface, and an elongated movable -actuating member having an exterior sealing surshaped as to increase its sealing engagement between said sealing surfaces in the inward position of said actuating member.

2. In a dispensing device for converting a fluid charged with a gas under pressure and requiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded product of increased volume, a valve housing structure having an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, a discharge passage, andan open valve passage connecting said inlet passage to said dis charge passage, a valve closure member extending through said valve passage into said discharge passage movable from a valve closing position to open positions, a yieldable sealing member constituting a wall portion of said discharge passage and having a sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface, and an elongated movable actuating member having an exterior sealing surface engaging the sealing surface of said sealing member and movable inwardly through said sealing opening for moving said valve memberA to an open position while maintaining sealing engagement with said sealing member, the surface of said valve passage and the cooperating surface of said valve member which successively faces said valve passage when said valve member is gradually moved away from its closed position being shaped to form walls of a gradually widening expansion nozzle causing an expansion of the charged fluid passing through said valve passage into a gas expanded product of increased volume discharged into said discharge passage, successive portions of one of the sealing surfaces of said actuating member that come into engagement with the facing sealing surface of said sealing member when the actuating member is moved inwardly being of increasing peripheral length and so shaped as to increase its sealing engagement between said sealing surfaces in the inwardV position of said actuating member.

3. In a dispensing device for converting a fluid charged with a gas under pressure and requiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded product of increased volume, a valve housing structure having an inlet passage for receiving the fluid, a discharge passage, and an open valve passage connecting said inlet passage to said discharge passage, a valve closure member extending through said valve passage into said discharge said vstein having a peripheral region interposed passage movable from a valve closing position so open positions, a yieldable sealing member contituting Va wall portion of said discharge passage and having a sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface. and an elongated actuat ing member having on its exterior a sealing surface engaging the sealing surface of said sealing member and movable inwardly through said sealing opening for moving said valve member to an open position while maintaining sealing engagementtwith said sealing member, successive portions of the sealing surfaces of said actuating member that come. into engagement with the sealing surface of said sealing member when( the actuating member is moved inwardly being of increasing peripheral length and se shaped as to increase its sealing engagement between said sealing surfaces in the inward position of said actuating member. i

4. In a dispensing device for dispensing iluid charged with a gas under pressure: a valve housing structure comprising a discharge passage, a

Ifluid supply duct-portion having an open end and spaced fromv said seat wall portion;- the seat wall portion bordering said valve passage being separable from the adjacent portions (of said seat wall along said fluid supply ductIN portion being detachably clamped to the adjacent portions of the valve housing structure and being so arranged and shaped as to hold said intermediate seat wall portionv in its interiltting sealing position within said seat wall.

5. In a dispensing device for dispensing iiuid. charged with a gas under pressure: a valve housing structure comprising a discharge passage, a fluid supply duct portion having an open end and a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intermediate seat wall portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against the side of said seat wall portion facing said supply duct portion for closing said valve passage; said valve .closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat'wall portion; the exterior surface of said stein and the facing surfacevof said valve passage being shaped to. form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated now passage of restricted cross section permitting entry of only/ between said closure element and the facing portion of said seat wall so as v"to, form a valve seal; the intermediate seat wall portion being separable from the adjacent portions of said seat wall along lnterfitting sealing surfaces; said washer being held in its operative position by said intermediate seat wall portion said fluid supply duct portion being detachably clamped to the adjacent portions of the valve housing structure and being.l so arranged and shaped as to hold said intermediate seat wall portion in its interntting sealing position within said seat wall.

b. In a dispensing device 'for dispensing fluid charged with a gas under pressure: a' valve housfluid supply duct portion having an open end and a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intermediate seat wall portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through saidlvalve passage arid an enlarged closure eiement held against the side oi' said seat wall portion facing said supply duct portion 'ior closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to'move to an open position in which its closure element-l isv spaced from said seat' wail portion; a yieldable packing washer lsurrounding said stein having a peripheral regiori interposed between said closure element and me lacing portion or said seat Wall so as to form a vaiveseal; the intermediate seat Wall portion charged with a gas under pressure: a valve hous-- ing structure comprising a discharge passage, a nuid supply duct portion having an open endand a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intermediate seat wall-portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held againsttne side of said seat wail portion facing said supply duct'l portion for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portion; the exterior surface of said stein and the racing surface or' said valve passage being shaped to iorm during the initial part or the opening motion or' the closure member substantialiy parailel border surfaces of a relatively elongated iiow passage of restricted cross section permitting entry 0I' only negligibly small traces of fluid from said inlet portion into said now passage to eifect in the course of. the further opening motion of the closure member a gradual shortening of the restricted elongated ilow passage and its conversion into an expansion nozzle of increasing cross section widening in the direction of the flow so as to gradually increase the rate at which charged iiuid entering said iiow passage is converted into a gas expanded body ilowing into said discharge passage; a yieldable element and the facing portion of said seat wall so as to iorm a valve seal: said intermediate seat wall portion being separable from the adjacent portions of said seat wall and having a tubular flange extension interposed between said washer and the edges of said valve passage facing said valve closure element said supply duct portion being detachably clamped to the adjacent portions oi' the valve housing structure and being so arranged and shaped as to hold said intermediate seat'wall portion in its interfitting'sealing position within said seat wall.

8. In a dispensing device for dispensing fluid charged with a gas under pressure: a valve nousing structure comprising a discharge passage, a fluid supply duct portion having an open end and a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intermediate seat wall portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against the side of said seat wall portion facing said supply duct portion for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portion; the exterior surface of said stemand the facing surface of said valve passage being shaped to form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated ilow passage of restricted cross section permitting entry of only negligibly small traces of fluid from said inlet portion into said now passage to eect in the course of the further opening motion of the closure member a gradual shortening of the restricted elongated lflow passage and its conversion into an expansion nozzle of increasing cross section widening in the direction of the now so as to gradually increase the rate at which charged fluid entering said ilow passage is vconverted into a gas expanded body flowing into said discharge passage: a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem having a peripheral region interposed between said closure element and the facing portion of said seat wall so as to' form a valve seal: said intermediate seat wall portion being separable from the adjacent portions of said seat wall and having a tubular ange extension interposed between said washer and the edges of said valve passage facing said valve closure element; the outer surface of said flange extension being shaped to form a detent engaging and retaining' said washer on said intermediate wall portion said fluid supply duct portion being detachably clamped to the adjacent portions of the 'valve housing structure and being so arranged and shaped as to hold said intermediate seat wall portion in its intertting sealing position within said seat wall.

9. In a dispensing device for dispensing iluid charged with a gas under pressure: a fluid supply duct having an open end; a valve housing structure comprising adischarge passage, a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intermediate seat wall portion having. an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against the side of said seat wall portion facing said duct for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open positionin which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portion; a yieldabie packing washer surrounding said stem having a peripheral region interposed between said closure s element and the facing portion of said seat wall wail portion in their operating positions.

l0. In a dispensing device for dispensing fluid charged with a gas under pressure: a iluid supply duct having an open end; a valve housing structure comprising a discharge passage, a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid intertion, the facing peripheral sealing surfaces o' mediate seat wall portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against the side of said seat wall porton facing said duct for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portion; a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem having a peripheral region interposed between said closure element and the facing portion oi' said seat wall so as to form a valve seal; the intermediate seat wall portion being' separable from the adjacent portions of said seat wall along generally conical interitting sealing surfaces; said supply duct and said valve housing structure having intereng'aging portions joining said valve housing structure and said duct into a substantially gas-tight passage and clamping said packing washer and said intermediate seat wallportion in their operating positions.

11. In a, dispensing device for dispensing fluid charged with a gas under pressure: a valve housing structure comprising a discharge passage, a valve inlet portion and a valve seat wall including a seat wall portion having' an open valve passage connecting the space of said inlet portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against the side of said seat wall portion facing said inlet portion for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to open positions for increasing the flow cross section of the valve passage; a yieldable sealing member held in a wall portion of said discharge passage having s. sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface; and an elongated actuating member having an exterior sealing surface extending through said sealing opening along its sealing surface and movable for actuat ing said valve closure member to an open-posisaid actuating member and said sealing member being shaped to increase in peripheral length for gradually increasing the sealing engagement between said sealing surfaces as the valve closure member is actuated to increase the cross section oi the valve passage.

space of ,said inlet portion to said discharge passage; a valve closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure element held against' the vside of said seat wall portion facing said inlet portion for closing said valve passage; said valve closure -member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portionlthe exterior surface of said stem and thefacing surface of said valve passage vbeing shaped to form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated flow passage of restricted cross section .permitting entry of'only negligibly small traces of fluid from said inlet portion into said flow passage to effect in the course of the further opening motion of the closure member a gradal shortening ofpthe restricted elongated flow passage and its conversion into an expansion nozzle of in'- creasing cross section widening in the direction of the flow so. `as to gradually increase the rate at which charged fluid entering said iiow passage is converted into a gas expanded body flowing into said discharge passage; a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem having a peripheral region interposed between said closure elementI and the facing portion of said seat wall so as to form e.' valve seal; a yieldable sealing member held in a wall portion of said discharge passage having a sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface; an elongated actuating member having an exterior sealing surface extending through said sealing opening along its. sealing surface and movable for actuating said valve closure member to an open position, the facing peripheral sealing surfaces of said actuating member and said sealing member being shaped to increase in peripheral length for gradually increasing the sealing engagement between said sealing surfaces as the valve closure member is actuated to increase the cross section of the valve passage.

13. In a dispensing device for'dispensing fluid charged with a gas under pressure.: a fluid supply duct having an open end; a valvel housing structure comprising a discharge passage, a valve seat wall including a substantially rigid seat wall portion having an open valve passage connecting the space of said supply duct to said discharge passage: a valvev closure member having a stem extending through said valve passage and an enlarged closure elementheld against the side of said seat wall portion facing said duct for closing said valve passage; said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall portion; the exterior surface of said stem and the facing surface of said valve passage being shaped to form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated ow passage of restricted cross section permitting entry of only negliglbly small traces of fluid from said inlet portion into said flow passage to effect in the course of the further opening motion of the closure member a gradual shortening of the restricted elongated flow passage and its conversion into an expansion nozzle of increasing cross section widening in the direction:

of the now so as togradually increase the rate at which charged fluid entering said flow passage is converted into a gas expanded body flowing into said discharge passage; a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem having a peripheral region interposed between said closure element and the facing portion of said seat wall so as to form a valve seal:y the seat wall portion bordering said valve opening passage being separable from the adjacent portions of said seat wall; ay yieldable sealing member heldin a wall portion of said discharge passage' having a sealing opening with an inwardly facing sealing surface; an elongated actuating member having an exteriorv sealing surface extending through said sealing opening along itsI sealing surface and movable for actuating said valve closure member to an open position, the facing peripheral sealing surfaces of said actuating member and said sealing member being shaped to increase in periphquiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded vproduct of increased volume, a fluid supply duct, a valve housing structure having a discharge passage and valve seat wall including a substantially rigid separable intermediate wall portion sealingly engaging the surrounding seat wall'region along generally conical interiittingl surfaces and having an open valve passage connecting said supply duct to said discharge pas.- sage, an elongated valve closure member extending through said valve passage and having an enlarged inner closure element biased to a valve closing position against the side of said seat wall facing said duct said valve closure member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall. a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem and inteposed between said seat wall -and said valve member, said intermediate wall portion having a tubular flange extension forming part of the walls of said valve passage and interposed between said washer and the edges of said valve passage facing said valve member, the outer surface of said flange extension being shaped to form a detent engaging and retaining said washer on said intermediate wall portion, said supply duct and said valve vstructure having interengaging portions joining said valve structure and said duct into a substantially gas tight passage and clamping said intermediate wall portion in its operating position on said seat Wall.

15. In a dispensing device for converting a fluid charged lwith a gas under pressure and requiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded product of increased volume, a fluid supply duct, a valve housing structure having a discharge'passage and valve seat wall including a substantially rigid separable intermediate wall portion sealingly engaging the surrounding seat wall portion along generally conical interiitting surfaces and having an open valve passage connecting said supply duct to said discharge passage, arr elongated valve closure member extending through said valve passage and having an venlarged inner closure element biased to a valve closing position against the side of said seat wall facing said duct, said valve member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall, the surface of said valve passage and the facing surface of said closure member being shaped to form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated passage of restricted cross section permitting entry of only negligibly small traces of fluid into said valve passage, and to effect in the course of the further opening motion of the closure member a gradual shortening of the restricted elongated passage and its conversion into a gradually longer expansion nozzle of increasing cross section widening in the direction toward said discharge passage so as to gradually increase the rate at which charged fluid entering said valve passage is converted into a gas expanded body flowing into said discharge passage, a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem and interposed between said seat wall and said valve member, said intermediate wall portion having a tubular flange extension forming part of the walls of said valve passage and interposed between said washer and the edges of said valve passage facing said valve member, said supply duct and said valve structure having interengaging portions joining said valve structure and said duct into a substantially gas tight passage and clamping said packing washer and intermediate wall portion in its operating position on said seat wall.

16. In a dispensing device for converting a fluid charged with a gas under pressure and requiring sanitary handling into a dispensed gas expanded product of increased volume, a fluid supply duct, a valve housing structure having a discharge passage and'valve seat wall including a substantially rigid separable intermediate wall portion sealingly engaging the surrounding seat wall portion along generally conical interfittlng surfaces and having an open valve passage connecting said supply duct to said discharge passage, an elongated valve closure member extending through said valve passage and having an enlarged inner closure element, biased to a valve closing position against the side of said seat wall faclngsaid duct. said valve member being actuable to move to an open position in which its closure element is spaced from said seat wall, the surface of said valve passage and the facing surface of said closure member being shaped to form during the initial part of the opening motion of the closure member substantially parallel border surfaces of a relatively elongated passage of restricted cross section permitting entry of only negligibly small traces of fluid into' said valve passage, and to effect in the course of the further opening motion of the closure member a gradual shortening of the restricted elongated passage and its conversion into a gradually longer expension nozzle of increasing cross section widening in the direction toward said discharge passage so as to gradually increase the rate at which charged fluid entering said valve passage is converted into a gas expanded body flowing into said discharge passage, a yieldable packing washer surrounding said stem and interposed between said seat wall and said valve member, said intermediate wall portion having a tubular flange extension forming a part of the walls of said valve passage and inteposed between said washer and the edges of said valve passage facing said valve member, said supply duct and said valve structure having interengaging portions joining said valve structure and said duct into a substantially gas tight passage and clamping said packing washer and intermediate wall portion in its operating position on said seat wall, the outer surface of said ange extension being shaped to form a detent engaging and retaining said washer on said intermediate wall portion.

, HARRY PLETMAN. 

